Heim & Taylor at World Cup
The BNP Paribas World Team Cup, this year’s biggest competition in wheelchair tennis, is taking place in Italy. For Lincoln’s Kevin Heim, it’s the third time he’s been to the World Team Cup, and the second time as Team Captain for the U.S. Quad Team. He said he looks forward to the event, because it’s always a great opportunity to take part.
“I love the opportunity of being out on the court and interacting with the players from point to point,” Heim said. “This is one of the few events coaches are on the court and allowed to coach. Most of the other tournaments we attend with players we help prepare them for the matches with warm up and game plans but once the points begin we become spectators like everyone else.”
As Team Captain, Heim helps structure the practice times, warm-ups, coach on court during matches, and follow up with any physical treatment, set up team meetings and get ready for the next day. Even though he’s extremely busy from morning to night, it’s one of the highlights of his career.
“The players on the Quad team are historically some of the most recognized players in wheelchair sport and tennis specifically,” he said. “All of our players have been ranked in the top five in the world at one point in their career in singles and doubles. Over their careers, they’ve worked as hard or more than anyone else.”
As for Nick Taylor of Wichita, Kansas, this is his last World Team Cup. Heim said he’s one of the best athletes he’s ever worked with, including able-bodied players.
“He’s done it at the highest level for so long and some day should be in the International Tennis Hall of Fame,” Heim said.
“In the world of sport, there’s no greater honor than representing your country,” Taylor said. “I have not missed a World team cup since 2000, I have enjoyed every single one of them, but especially the eight times that we were able to become world champions. Finishing up here for my career, with Kevin who is such an amazing friend as my coach, means the world to me.”
Taylor is a lefty, and known for his kick-serve. He is the Director of Operations for the men’s tennis team at Wichita State University.
Wichita native Casey Ratzlaff will also play for the men's wheelchair team.
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